Local Info

Lucky visitors may spot dear, fox, coyote, wild turkeys, hundred of species of birds including owls, hawks and eagles. Palomar Mountain boasts one of the most unique and bio-diverse regions in Southern California.

Palomar Mountain has a wonderfully diverse and rich forest environment. Topping out at 6100 feet above sea level, Palomar is part of California’s Coastal Mountain Range and is home to a rich mixture of oak, fir, pine and chaparral. Clear artesian springs and lush meadows spread across the valleys. We typically get snow as early as Thanksgiving and as late as May Day.

The local wildlife include squirrel, bobcat, fox, raccoon, coyote, deer, mountain lion – and the occasional bear. The bird life is rich and varied (we currently have a “herd” of 30 wild turkeys running amuck in our valley) – a rewarding experience for “birders.” Try this site for more on Palomar’s Birds.

The Historic Bailey Meadow is located on our sixty acres of prime Palomar mountaintop land and is a great place for short hikes. Baileys is a private resort property, and a reservation or invitation is required (no drop-ins please).

Palomar Mountain State Park is just 10 minutes away from Baileys, and has numerous day trails. A modest fee is charged for State Park day use at the park entrance. Visit Palomar State Park at www.parks.ca.gov

“The Big Eye” – Palomar ObservatoryJust 15 minutes from Bailey’s, Palomar Observatory is open to the public free of charge from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM everyday. Owned and operated by the California Institute of Technology it is home to the 200″ Hale Telescope. Designed and built in the 1930’s it is still a premier scientific instrument in use every night (weather permitting). You can view the telescope during the day, from a glass enclosed visitor’s gallery inside the 200″ dome building. For more info visit CalTech’s Palomar site www.astro.caltech.edu/palomar

Mother’s Kitchen & The Store is our local vegetarian eatery with excellent food and friendly service. Next door is The Store – a good selection of convenience store food and wonderfully eclectic curios. Mother’s kitchen Restaurant and The Store is located at the summit of the mountain, about 5 minuets from Baileys. They’ve been serving delicious, wholesome vegetarian food since 1977. After a hike at the state park, a drive or bicycle ride to the summit, a stop at Mother’s is a must!For menus and more info visit http://www.motherskitchenpalomar.com/